Back in the day, you sent an email and if someone didn't respond, you weren't sure it was because they thought your idea sucked or they were just behind on emails.

Not so with text. The immediacy of texting means we get feedback in real time. Usually, it's quick bursts of texting to react to ideas or share information - occasionally it's to ask permission or gain approval. It's rare that you don't hear back from someone on a text.

However there are times when a middle ground is present.

It’s called the “typing awareness indicator", the little bubbles you see after you send a text. It means that someone is texting you back. Which is fine, except for these two occasions at work:

1. Someone takes more than 30 seconds to respond, and you see the awareness indicator the whole time. Nothing ever good came after 30-60 seconds of that indicator being on. The message is usually complicated and adds drama to your life at work.

2. The typing awareness indicator is on for the pre-mentioned 30-60 seconds, then it goes off, never to return. They thought about it, then thought the better of it. Meh.

Both mean that the quick approval or consensus you're looking for won't be happening.

I turned off my typing awareness indicator. I found myself staring at it for periods of time that were unhealthy.

I'm more sane at work as a result. It's the little things that matter the most.